Ban on Use of SNAP Money at Strip Clubs Advances in House

Anyone on federal assistance will be prohibited from using their state-issued debit card-style assistance cards at ATMs located in strip clubs, Internet cafes and liquor stores, under a bill that rolled toward a final decision before the full House late Wednesday.

The House bill, HB 1401, would ban the use of the debit cards issued through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs -- SNAP -- including the program better known as food stamps, from being used at ATMs at set locations.

The state Department of Children and Families, which would be required to electronically shut access to the cards at prohibited locations, has estimated the cost of the program to the state at $35,000.

The bill initially included a ban on the purchase of certain junk food.